Sotheby’s to Auction 555.55ct. Black Diamond

RAPAPORT… A 555.55-carat black diamond believed to have come from outer space will go under the hammer in February at a one-off Sotheby’s auction.

The stone, called The Enigma, is the largest faceted diamond of any kind to appear at auction and is also the world’s biggest diamond possessing natural fancy-black color, Sotheby’s said Monday. it will be offered without reserve, and the auction house will accept payment for the diamond in cryptocurrency.

The diamond, which holds a Guinness World Record, is thought to have been created either from a meteoric impact or to have emerged from a diamond-bearing asteroid that collided with Earth, Sotheby’s explained. Its shape is inspired by the Middle Eastern palm symbol, known as the hamsa, which is a sign of protection, power and strength, and is associated with the number five.

“This diamond is a true natural phenomenon,” said Nikita Binani, a jewelry specialist and head of sales in London for Sotheby’s. “This diamond has been treasured for over two decades by the owner, and the diamond itself has never been exhibited publicly or offered on the open market. Its sale represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire one of the rarest, billion-year-old cosmic wonders known to humankind.”

The stone will be exhibited in Dubai, Los Angeles and London prior to the auction, Sotheby’s added.

Image: The 555.55-carat black diamond. (Sotheby’s)